When Debbie Cech’s son, Hunter, was diagnosed with acute flaccid myelitis, their world changed overnight. After losing mobility from the neck down, the search for a school that could truly adapt to his needs became an uphill battle.

When the family moved to Phoenix for specialized care, traditional public schools still couldn’t support his learning. Core subjects weren’t accessible. Art wasn’t adaptable. P.E. wasn’t meaningful. Nothing was built for a child like Hunter.

Through Arizona’s Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) program, Debbie finally found an option that worked: Novatio, our virtual school built to adapt to every learner.

“Because of ESA, families like ours can choose a school that actually fits their kiddo,” said Novatio’s Head of School, Karissa Ham. “It means students like Hunter get a private education, at no cost to them, designed around what they need to thrive.”

Now, with flexible academics, personalized support, and a team that adjusts learning to Hunter—not the other way around—he finally has access to an education built for him.